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Photographs of a dog allegedly being dragged to its death behind a car in Tosagua have sparked international outrage after hitting the social media. President Rafael Correa and Ecuador’s Interior Minister, José Serrano, have called for “swift justice” to be brought to...
While the new Law of Labor Justice allows housewives to join the national Social Security (IESS) system, women’s rights groups say the benefits don’t go far enough. Meanwhile, Ecuador’s prostitutes are demanding that they be allowed to join IESS as well. Andrea Vega...
What a great find Tierra de Fuego is! And I mean that literally; it’s a little tough to locate, but once you do, you will be rewarded (see directions below). The first thing you notice about the restaurant are the beautifully maintained grounds. Inside, you find a...
The world’s oldest woman -- and the oldest person, according to most sources -- died Monday in Mexico at age 127. Leandra Becerra, born August 31, 1887, had lived with her grandson's family in Zapopan, in western Mexico, for the last five years. Her grandson, Samuel...
By Andrés Páez Benalcázar Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa isn’t too pleased that the international community has dared call attention to serious human rights violations under his government. But instead of addressing his attacks on the media, free speech, and anyone...
The Episcopal Conference of Ecuador’s Catholic church says that Pope Francis will visit Guayaquil as well as Quito during his July visit to the country. It will be the first papal visit to the country since John Paul II visited Quito and Cuenca in 1985. Raul Vela,...
President Rafael Correa wasted no time signing the new Law of Justice and Labor. The controversial legislation, passed by the National Assembly Tuesday night, abolishes the government’s mandatory 40% contribution to the Social Security (EISS) program and makes major...
A new shopping mall, anchored by a Supermaxi supermarket, is set to open by the end of the year, according to developers. The developer, Favorita Corporation, says the site of the new complex will serve a busy area of Cuenca in the Avs. Don Bosco, Premero de Mayo,...
Wondering what Cuenca’s new tram system will eventually look like? You can get a glimpse of the future on Av. Las Americas southwest. While much of the tram route is a muddy traffic-snarling construction zone, workers are laying sod and planting trees on one portion...
Ecuador’s National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to make major changes to the country’s Social Security program (IESS) Wednesday morning. The changes include the elimination of a guaranteed 40% government contribution to the system’s budget. The changes were part of...
A new national survey shows that Internet connectivity and use of smart phones is mushrooming in Ecuador. The Survey of Living Conditions 2014 reports that 26% of households had Internet connections at the end of 2014, compared to only 2.5% in 2005. The survey also...
Ecuador’s National Assembly is considering legislation that would decriminalize most forms of drug possession, production or cultivation. Although the law would not legalize drugs, it would require offenders to pay a fine or forfeit their drugs instead of serving...
By Jennifer Lynn McCoy The handshake between Barack Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro at the Summit of the Americas last weekend in Panama made history as they gambled to overcome five decades of broken diplomatic relations. Reopening embassies will not end the U.S....
By Sylvan Hardy Although the plan to transition Ecuadorian households from LP gas to more electric usage was announced with great fanfare in August 2013, the government has had little to say about it in recent months. The program was coupled with the announcement...
Humberto Gómez, director of Ecuador’s Naval Oceanographic Institute, says many people are mistaking the heavy rains of March and early April for the arrival of the El Niño weather phenomenon. “The El Niño that was forming this time last year weakened and did not...
By Wendy Jane Carrel Moving to Ecuador? Already here and planning another move? Below are 12 housing recommendations with an eye to long-term health and safety no matter your age. These guidelines are not just Ecuador or Cuenca specific, but for wherever you choose to...
Although the weekend’s Summit of the Americas in Panama City was highlighted by a handshake between Cuba’s Raul Castro and the U.S. President Barack Obama, there were also emotional exchanges between several Latin American leaders and Obama. One of the most intense...
Some of them juggle, some dance, some ride unicycles, while others act the roles of clowns and mimes. They all earn their living at busy intersections in Cuenca, performing for tips from motorists in a profession they admit is dangerous. On Wednesday, a juggler...
By Viktoria Vidali High-school and family reunions, alumni gatherings, birthdays, anniversaries, cultural holidays, or the chance meeting with an old friend—such are life events in which we retell stories and relive experiences we have in common. On these social...
By Susan Schenck Most people are aware that they need to cut back on sugar, or at least choose their poison carefully. Sugar is so bad for the health of the body and brain that nowadays, doctors are even calling Alzheimer’s “type 3 diabetes.” Unhealthful sugars...
